Q. My beau and I are going on vacay to Las Vegas this week and we really want to do (and see) as much as we can without spending a fortune. (We want to save our cash for the casinos.) What's hot, and what's not? We don't just want the typical recommendations like the Bellagio fountain show of the Blue Man Group. What are some of the smaller treasures on (or near) the strip?
A. When you go to Las Vegas these usual things you will want to see for FREE:
1. Number one on my list is to watch the fountains displays in front of the Bellagio hotel. It usually runs every 15 minutes in summers starting at 3:00 PM; runs continuously until about midnight. Each show is different (there are more than 20 different tunes choreographed) so stay and watch at least 2 or 3. ALSO, go inside the Bellagio hotel to its lobby and view the beautiful glass sculptured ceiling AND the seasonal floral arrangements in the Atrium.
2. The âSirens of TIâ show (spectacular) in from of the Treasure Island Hotel; it runs every 90 minutes starting at about 4:30 PM. Simply stand on the sidewalk in front of the TI Hotel.
3. The volcano erupt in from of the Mirage Hotel; starting at dark until midnight. Again, just stand on the sidewalk in front of the hotel.
4. Go down to Freemont Street and see the light shows. There are usually 3 or 4 different shows, starting after dark (about 8:30PM) and lasting about 5 or 10 minutes each.
5. Go to the RIO hotel to see the Masquerade in the Sky show. It is like Mardi Gras parade, only suspended from the ceiling over the gambling floor. It runs every 60 minutes starting about 3:00 PM; the last show starts at 9:30 PM..
6. Go to the MGM Grand hotel to see the Lion habitat. This is better then the tiger habitat at the Mirage Hotel because there are usually trainers in with lions to keep them active.
7. Go to the Mirage hotel to see the white tigers that Siegfried and Roy show used. This is kinda passe because the tigers rarely do anything but sit and stare.
8. Go in Caesars Palace and walk through the Forum shops to the first fountain (its spectacular) then take the first fork to the left to go see the aquarium. Then continue on through the shops to the second fountain and wait for the show to start.
9. Go into the Flamingo hotel to see their animal habitat with flamingos and penguins.
10 The Excalibur hotel also has a free show starting at 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM.
11. If you are a Star Trek Fan, go to the Hilton (off the strip) for "Star Trek The Experience"; it cost about $25.
People go to Vegas to sightsee as well as gamble. You can see most of the stuff on the Strip by walking, so you don't need a rental car. There is a free monorail between Bellagio and the Monte Carlo Hotel and also another free one between Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay. The one on the opposite side of the street which runs from the MGM to the Hilton you have to pay to ride. There is a free bus between Harrahs Hotel to the RIO Hotel that runs every half hour. There is also a free bus that you can get outside the Barbery Coast Casino that will take you to the Orleans and some other off strip casinos.
Plan which hotels/casinos you want to visit each day so you can make the most of your walking and the free monorails and scuttles. When you get to Vegas you will probably have in your hotel room a free guide to the city called either "What's ON" , âShowbizâor "Las Vegas Today". These are helpful guises as they have a map of the Strip and city with the hotels marked, current hotel shows and prices, plus useful coupons. Some coupons will give you a free souvenir from certain hotels; you just have to take the coupon to the hotel. They also list hotel restaurants and buffets time sand prices.
JOIN PLAYERS CLUBS: Do join ALL of the players clubs because they are your ticket to lower priced return trips. The hotels will email you, or send by regular mail, specials on room rates and shows. The players clubs are free; all they want to see is your driver's license. You can join some of these clubs online before you go.
SHOPPING: There's shopping at Fashion show mall right next to Treasure Island Hotel (across from the Wynn Hotel), or you can drive or take a taxi or the bus south of the Strip (just past the airport) to the outlet mall. For more shopping, drive south on I-15 to Primm, NV (at the Calif border ... about 45 miles) and there is a big outlet mall and some casinos.
DINING: The hotel coffee shops and buffets are now much more expensive than they were years ago. So, if you want to eat for less try one of the Denny's for meals (one in the Casino Royal hotel/casino and another across from the Monte Carlo hotel/casino). There are also a McDonald and a Burger King on the Stip near Harrahs. You can get breakfast and dinner buffets a few dollars less at the Imperial Palace hotel/casino and at the Gold Coast hotel/casino. Buffets cost less at the Circus Circus hotel/casino and in Freemont St hotel/casinos. Some hotels have food courts. There is a food court in the Monte Carlo hotel/casino, one in the NY, NY hotel/casino, and in the Palms Hotel (across the street from the RIO.) There is an Outback Steak House in the Casino Royale Hotel and another across from the RIO. There is a Cheesecake Factory and a Planet Hollywood in Ceasers Forum shops. There is a Margerittaville in the Flamingo hotel. I recommend Tony Romaâs, a ribs and chicken restaurant; one in the Stardust hotel/casino, one on Freemont St and another on Sahara Ave near Paradise Rd.
MOVIES: There are movie theaters in the Palms (multiplex) and also another on the Strip across the street from the Monte Carlo hotel, near the MGM hotel.
BOWLING: If you like to bowl, there are alley's in The Gold Coast Hotel/Casino (beside the RIO) and in the Orleans Hotel Casino. .
ACT LIKE A KID: If you like roller coasters, there are roller coaster rides at the NY, NY hotel/casino, at the Sahara Hotel/Casino, and rides for those with a strong heart at the top of the Stratosphere Casino/hotel. The Circus Circus Hotel/casino has arcades and an indoor amusement park. There is a place called Game Works below the Coke World experience that has all type video games
OTHER THINGS:
RED ROCK CANYON: Its about 20 miles west of Las Vegas out Charleston Blvd (you can pick up that street at the north end of the Strip) Its a scenic drive-through park. Go early, not in the heat of the day; there's no shade.
HOOVER DAM: Drive about 30 miles southeast of Vegas and go to Hoover Dam; the National Park Service offers tours there (@ $15.) and its interesting stuff. Go on past Hoover dam to Boulder City and then to Lake Meade for a swim and/or to visit the new casino there. Also, there are tour companies that will take you on a cruise of the river below Hoover Dam. Check the Vegas web sites.
VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK: Drive about 35 miles north of Vegas on I-15 and go to Valley of Fire State Park, another scenic park area.
ZION NATION PARK: Itâs a long drive (about 2-3 hours), but you can drive North on I-15 to Zion National Park and back in one day.
DEATH VALLEY: If you like to visit National Parks, drive about an hour and a half south of Vegas on I-15 and take RT-127 to Death Valley National Park (total drive may be 3 hrs each way).
GRAND CANYON: The drive to the Grand Canyon is 5 long hard hours on mostly two lane roads with trucks and campers (only a short way on I-40). You can drive there and back in one day if you leave early morning, like 6:00-7:00 AM. That will put you there about noon and you will have 4 or 5 hrs before starting back and getting back to Vegas about 11:00PM. I recommend staying overnight at the Canyon (there are plenty of motels near there, like Best Western, Ramada, Quality inns) and drive back the next day.
Is that enough. I'll be there next week myself.
1. Number one on my list is to watch the fountains displays in front of the Bellagio hotel. It usually runs every 15 minutes in summers starting at 3:00 PM; runs continuously until about midnight. Each show is different (there are more than 20 different tunes choreographed) so stay and watch at least 2 or 3. ALSO, go inside the Bellagio hotel to its lobby and view the beautiful glass sculptured ceiling AND the seasonal floral arrangements in the Atrium.
2. The âSirens of TIâ show (spectacular) in from of the Treasure Island Hotel; it runs every 90 minutes starting at about 4:30 PM. Simply stand on the sidewalk in front of the TI Hotel.
3. The volcano erupt in from of the Mirage Hotel; starting at dark until midnight. Again, just stand on the sidewalk in front of the hotel.
4. Go down to Freemont Street and see the light shows. There are usually 3 or 4 different shows, starting after dark (about 8:30PM) and lasting about 5 or 10 minutes each.
5. Go to the RIO hotel to see the Masquerade in the Sky show. It is like Mardi Gras parade, only suspended from the ceiling over the gambling floor. It runs every 60 minutes starting about 3:00 PM; the last show starts at 9:30 PM..
6. Go to the MGM Grand hotel to see the Lion habitat. This is better then the tiger habitat at the Mirage Hotel because there are usually trainers in with lions to keep them active.
7. Go to the Mirage hotel to see the white tigers that Siegfried and Roy show used. This is kinda passe because the tigers rarely do anything but sit and stare.
8. Go in Caesars Palace and walk through the Forum shops to the first fountain (its spectacular) then take the first fork to the left to go see the aquarium. Then continue on through the shops to the second fountain and wait for the show to start.
9. Go into the Flamingo hotel to see their animal habitat with flamingos and penguins.
10 The Excalibur hotel also has a free show starting at 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM.
11. If you are a Star Trek Fan, go to the Hilton (off the strip) for "Star Trek The Experience"; it cost about $25.
People go to Vegas to sightsee as well as gamble. You can see most of the stuff on the Strip by walking, so you don't need a rental car. There is a free monorail between Bellagio and the Monte Carlo Hotel and also another free one between Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay. The one on the opposite side of the street which runs from the MGM to the Hilton you have to pay to ride. There is a free bus between Harrahs Hotel to the RIO Hotel that runs every half hour. There is also a free bus that you can get outside the Barbery Coast Casino that will take you to the Orleans and some other off strip casinos.
Plan which hotels/casinos you want to visit each day so you can make the most of your walking and the free monorails and scuttles. When you get to Vegas you will probably have in your hotel room a free guide to the city called either "What's ON" , âShowbizâor "Las Vegas Today". These are helpful guises as they have a map of the Strip and city with the hotels marked, current hotel shows and prices, plus useful coupons. Some coupons will give you a free souvenir from certain hotels; you just have to take the coupon to the hotel. They also list hotel restaurants and buffets time sand prices.
JOIN PLAYERS CLUBS: Do join ALL of the players clubs because they are your ticket to lower priced return trips. The hotels will email you, or send by regular mail, specials on room rates and shows. The players clubs are free; all they want to see is your driver's license. You can join some of these clubs online before you go.
SHOPPING: There's shopping at Fashion show mall right next to Treasure Island Hotel (across from the Wynn Hotel), or you can drive or take a taxi or the bus south of the Strip (just past the airport) to the outlet mall. For more shopping, drive south on I-15 to Primm, NV (at the Calif border ... about 45 miles) and there is a big outlet mall and some casinos.
DINING: The hotel coffee shops and buffets are now much more expensive than they were years ago. So, if you want to eat for less try one of the Denny's for meals (one in the Casino Royal hotel/casino and another across from the Monte Carlo hotel/casino). There are also a McDonald and a Burger King on the Stip near Harrahs. You can get breakfast and dinner buffets a few dollars less at the Imperial Palace hotel/casino and at the Gold Coast hotel/casino. Buffets cost less at the Circus Circus hotel/casino and in Freemont St hotel/casinos. Some hotels have food courts. There is a food court in the Monte Carlo hotel/casino, one in the NY, NY hotel/casino, and in the Palms Hotel (across the street from the RIO.) There is an Outback Steak House in the Casino Royale Hotel and another across from the RIO. There is a Cheesecake Factory and a Planet Hollywood in Ceasers Forum shops. There is a Margerittaville in the Flamingo hotel. I recommend Tony Romaâs, a ribs and chicken restaurant; one in the Stardust hotel/casino, one on Freemont St and another on Sahara Ave near Paradise Rd.
MOVIES: There are movie theaters in the Palms (multiplex) and also another on the Strip across the street from the Monte Carlo hotel, near the MGM hotel.
BOWLING: If you like to bowl, there are alley's in The Gold Coast Hotel/Casino (beside the RIO) and in the Orleans Hotel Casino. .
ACT LIKE A KID: If you like roller coasters, there are roller coaster rides at the NY, NY hotel/casino, at the Sahara Hotel/Casino, and rides for those with a strong heart at the top of the Stratosphere Casino/hotel. The Circus Circus Hotel/casino has arcades and an indoor amusement park. There is a place called Game Works below the Coke World experience that has all type video games
OTHER THINGS:
RED ROCK CANYON: Its about 20 miles west of Las Vegas out Charleston Blvd (you can pick up that street at the north end of the Strip) Its a scenic drive-through park. Go early, not in the heat of the day; there's no shade.
HOOVER DAM: Drive about 30 miles southeast of Vegas and go to Hoover Dam; the National Park Service offers tours there (@ $15.) and its interesting stuff. Go on past Hoover dam to Boulder City and then to Lake Meade for a swim and/or to visit the new casino there. Also, there are tour companies that will take you on a cruise of the river below Hoover Dam. Check the Vegas web sites.
VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK: Drive about 35 miles north of Vegas on I-15 and go to Valley of Fire State Park, another scenic park area.
ZION NATION PARK: Itâs a long drive (about 2-3 hours), but you can drive North on I-15 to Zion National Park and back in one day.
DEATH VALLEY: If you like to visit National Parks, drive about an hour and a half south of Vegas on I-15 and take RT-127 to Death Valley National Park (total drive may be 3 hrs each way).
GRAND CANYON: The drive to the Grand Canyon is 5 long hard hours on mostly two lane roads with trucks and campers (only a short way on I-40). You can drive there and back in one day if you leave early morning, like 6:00-7:00 AM. That will put you there about noon and you will have 4 or 5 hrs before starting back and getting back to Vegas about 11:00PM. I recommend staying overnight at the Canyon (there are plenty of motels near there, like Best Western, Ramada, Quality inns) and drive back the next day.
Is that enough. I'll be there next week myself.
What is there to do in Las Vegas for teens under the age of 18?
Q. i'm going to be going to Las Vegas with my parents and i know they're gonna be gambling, but don't know what i'm gonna be doing there.any good places to go while i'm there?
A. First of all there are a bunch of hotels that have essentially water parks for guests. The Mandalay Bay has the biggest and best wave pool sand beach pool out there, plus it has a lazy river for tubing. You will stay busy all day with that. The MGM and Monte Carlo hotels also have wave pools and lazy rivers. The Flamingo has a great pool with a water fall and a water slide, not big but very refreshing and I enjoy it all the time.
In addition, there is a place called "Game Works" which is next door to the MGM, across from NY, NY that has all of the video type games any kid could want. (look for the Coke bottle).
At the other end of the strip is the Circus Circus hotel and casino and it has a huge arcade full of games, circus acts every half hour, and if that's not enough, an indoor amusement park with roller coaster rides and stuff. At the Sahara hotel there is a roller coaster ride, and also one at NY, NY. The are also rides atop the Stratosphere tower, if you have the heart for them.
There are movie theaters right on the strip, near the MGM and in the Palms Hotel across from the RIO hotel on Flamingo Avenue. There is also a bowling alley in the Gold Coast Hotel on Flamingo Ave next to the RIO (also a good place for a lower priced buffet) and another bowling alley in the Orleans.
The usual things you will want to see for FREE in Vegas are:
1. Number one on my list is to watch the fountains displays in from of the Bellagio hotel. It usually runs every 15 minutes in summers starting at 3:00 PM; runs continuously until about midnight. Each show is different (there are more than 20 different tunes choreographed) so stay and watch at least 2 or 3. ALSO, go inside the Bellagio hotel to its lobby and view the beautiful glass sculptured ceiling AND the seasonal floral arrangements in the Atrium.
2. The âSirens of TIâ show (spectacular) in from of the Treasure Island Hotel; it runs every 90 minutes starting at about 4:30 PM.
3. The volcano erupt in from of the Mirage Hotel; starting at dark until midnight.
4. Go down to Freemont Street and see the light show. There are usually 2 or 3 different shows, starting after dark and lasting about 5 or 10 minutes each.
5. Go to the RIO hotel to see the Masquerade in the Sky show. It runs every 60 minutes starting about 3:00 PM; the last show starts at 9:30 PM..
6. Go to the MGM Grand hotel to see the Lion habitat.
7. Go to the Mirage hotel to see the white tigers that Siegfried and Roy used.
8. Go in Caesars Palace and walk through the Forum shops to the first fountain (its spectacular) then take the first fork to the left to go see the aquarium. Then continue on through the shops to the second fountain and wait for the show to start.
9. Go into the Flamingo hotel to see their animal habitat with flamingos and penguins.
10 The Excalibur hotel also has a free show starting at 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM.
11. If you are a Star Trek Fan, go to the Hilton (off the strip) for "Star Trek The Experience"; it cost about $25.
If you want to get off the Strip and do some other things consider these:
RED ROCK CANYON: Its about 20 miles West of Las Vegas out Charleston Blvd (you can pick up that street at the north end of the Strip) Its a scenic drive-through park. Go early, not in the heat of the day; there's no shade.
HOOVER DAM: Drive about 30 miles southeast of Vegas and go to Hoover Dam; the National Park Service offers tours there (@ $15.) and its interesting stuff. Go on past Hoover dam to Boulder City and then to Lake Meade for a swim and/or to visit the new casino there. Also, there are tour companies that will take you on a cruise of the river below Hoover Dam. Check the web sites below.
VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK: Drive about 35 miles north of Vegas on I-15 and go to Valley of Fire State Park, another scenic park area.
ZION NATION PARK: Itâs a long drive (about 2-3 hours), but you can drive North on I-15 to Zion National Park and back in one day.
DEATH VALLEY: If you like to visit National Parks, drive about an hour and a half south of Vegas on I-15 and take RT-127 to Death Valley National Park (total drive may be 3 hrs each way).
GRAND CANYON: The drive to the Grand Canyon is 5 long hard hours on mostly two lane roads with trucks and campers (only a short way on I-40). You can drive there and back in one day if you leave early morning, like 6:00-7:00 AM. That will put you there about noon and you will have 4 or 5 hrs before starting back and getting back to Vegas about 11:00PM. I recommend staying overnight at the Canyon (there are plenty of motels near there, like Best Western, Ramada, Quality inns) and drive back the next day.
In addition, there is a place called "Game Works" which is next door to the MGM, across from NY, NY that has all of the video type games any kid could want. (look for the Coke bottle).
At the other end of the strip is the Circus Circus hotel and casino and it has a huge arcade full of games, circus acts every half hour, and if that's not enough, an indoor amusement park with roller coaster rides and stuff. At the Sahara hotel there is a roller coaster ride, and also one at NY, NY. The are also rides atop the Stratosphere tower, if you have the heart for them.
There are movie theaters right on the strip, near the MGM and in the Palms Hotel across from the RIO hotel on Flamingo Avenue. There is also a bowling alley in the Gold Coast Hotel on Flamingo Ave next to the RIO (also a good place for a lower priced buffet) and another bowling alley in the Orleans.
The usual things you will want to see for FREE in Vegas are:
1. Number one on my list is to watch the fountains displays in from of the Bellagio hotel. It usually runs every 15 minutes in summers starting at 3:00 PM; runs continuously until about midnight. Each show is different (there are more than 20 different tunes choreographed) so stay and watch at least 2 or 3. ALSO, go inside the Bellagio hotel to its lobby and view the beautiful glass sculptured ceiling AND the seasonal floral arrangements in the Atrium.
2. The âSirens of TIâ show (spectacular) in from of the Treasure Island Hotel; it runs every 90 minutes starting at about 4:30 PM.
3. The volcano erupt in from of the Mirage Hotel; starting at dark until midnight.
4. Go down to Freemont Street and see the light show. There are usually 2 or 3 different shows, starting after dark and lasting about 5 or 10 minutes each.
5. Go to the RIO hotel to see the Masquerade in the Sky show. It runs every 60 minutes starting about 3:00 PM; the last show starts at 9:30 PM..
6. Go to the MGM Grand hotel to see the Lion habitat.
7. Go to the Mirage hotel to see the white tigers that Siegfried and Roy used.
8. Go in Caesars Palace and walk through the Forum shops to the first fountain (its spectacular) then take the first fork to the left to go see the aquarium. Then continue on through the shops to the second fountain and wait for the show to start.
9. Go into the Flamingo hotel to see their animal habitat with flamingos and penguins.
10 The Excalibur hotel also has a free show starting at 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM.
11. If you are a Star Trek Fan, go to the Hilton (off the strip) for "Star Trek The Experience"; it cost about $25.
If you want to get off the Strip and do some other things consider these:
RED ROCK CANYON: Its about 20 miles West of Las Vegas out Charleston Blvd (you can pick up that street at the north end of the Strip) Its a scenic drive-through park. Go early, not in the heat of the day; there's no shade.
HOOVER DAM: Drive about 30 miles southeast of Vegas and go to Hoover Dam; the National Park Service offers tours there (@ $15.) and its interesting stuff. Go on past Hoover dam to Boulder City and then to Lake Meade for a swim and/or to visit the new casino there. Also, there are tour companies that will take you on a cruise of the river below Hoover Dam. Check the web sites below.
VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK: Drive about 35 miles north of Vegas on I-15 and go to Valley of Fire State Park, another scenic park area.
ZION NATION PARK: Itâs a long drive (about 2-3 hours), but you can drive North on I-15 to Zion National Park and back in one day.
DEATH VALLEY: If you like to visit National Parks, drive about an hour and a half south of Vegas on I-15 and take RT-127 to Death Valley National Park (total drive may be 3 hrs each way).
GRAND CANYON: The drive to the Grand Canyon is 5 long hard hours on mostly two lane roads with trucks and campers (only a short way on I-40). You can drive there and back in one day if you leave early morning, like 6:00-7:00 AM. That will put you there about noon and you will have 4 or 5 hrs before starting back and getting back to Vegas about 11:00PM. I recommend staying overnight at the Canyon (there are plenty of motels near there, like Best Western, Ramada, Quality inns) and drive back the next day.
What is best Disney Resort to stay at?
Q. If you have stayed on Disney property, what resorts do you think are the best? Or if you have visited, which do you remember the most? Tell me everything!
A. I tend to always stay on Disney property and have stayed in a handful of different resorts, both "moderate" and "deluxe". I've never stayed in the value resorts because, frankly, they look nice but aren't anything better than a Disney-fied Hotel 6 or some other cheap place.
But as far as the "deluxe" level resorts are concerned, I have stayed in the Polynesian Resort (in the Magic Kingdom area) twice, and the Wilderness Lodge (also in Magic Kingdom area) twice, and in the Boardwalk Villas (in the Epcot/Hollywood Studios vicinity) just once.
The favorite for my wife and I is the Polynesian. Not only is it a beautiful resort and located near our favorite of the Disney World theme parks, but it also has the monorail right there at hotel. It's one of 3 deluxe resorts that lies on the monorail line. It has a gorgeous lobby, a true tropical atmosphere to it, and some very good restaurants (notably 'Ohana and the quick-service Capt. Cook's).
Second favorite, so far, is the Wilderness Lodge. Nestled away within the trees surrounding Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, the Wilderness Lodge has captured the spirit and feel of the Pacific Northwest log cabins. It has a monsterously large lobby, is impeccably decorated, and also has some great eating places (Whispering Canyon Cafe and the quick-service Roaring Forks). It's not on the monorail line, but you can take a ferry to the Magic Kingdom, or a bus to it or to any other place on Disney property.
Third favorite of the deluxe places was the Boardwalk Villas. While it's certainly a beautiful and fun area to stay in, it was too far from the Magic Kingdom for our tastes. We had 8 people staying in a 2-bedroom villa and we had a great time. There was plenty of room, we had a good view of the pool area, and you could see over into Epcot from the Boardwalk. The area was just like you'd imagine a boardwalk to be. The wooden-planked walkways, restaurants and general stores from one end to the other. You could take a motor launch across the lagoon to the Yacht & Beach Club or to Epcot or to Disney's Hollywood Studios, or you could take a bus, or you could walk the distinct paths to each park as well.
For the "moderate" level resort, we chose the Caribbean Beach Resort (which we stayed at in January 09). We were very much less than impressed. Although kept clean and beautiful on the outside, the rooms were your basic run-of-the-mill Holiday Inn type rooms, with access to them from the outside rather than going into a building, down a corridor and to your room from there. That made some in our party feel less secure. The beds were too small, the bathroom was ridiculously small, and the decor seemed like a half-hearted effort at best. The walk to the main food court/shopping area was quite far. Some in our party also had encountered some rude employees in the various food court locations.
- The verdict? Basically, if you can afford a stay in the deluxe resorts, go for it. I'd definitely choose the Polynesian again. (The Grand Floridian looks very nice, but it's not my taste. I can't wait to try a stay in the Contemporary in a tower room overlooking the Magic Kingdom sometime.)
But as far as the "deluxe" level resorts are concerned, I have stayed in the Polynesian Resort (in the Magic Kingdom area) twice, and the Wilderness Lodge (also in Magic Kingdom area) twice, and in the Boardwalk Villas (in the Epcot/Hollywood Studios vicinity) just once.
The favorite for my wife and I is the Polynesian. Not only is it a beautiful resort and located near our favorite of the Disney World theme parks, but it also has the monorail right there at hotel. It's one of 3 deluxe resorts that lies on the monorail line. It has a gorgeous lobby, a true tropical atmosphere to it, and some very good restaurants (notably 'Ohana and the quick-service Capt. Cook's).
Second favorite, so far, is the Wilderness Lodge. Nestled away within the trees surrounding Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, the Wilderness Lodge has captured the spirit and feel of the Pacific Northwest log cabins. It has a monsterously large lobby, is impeccably decorated, and also has some great eating places (Whispering Canyon Cafe and the quick-service Roaring Forks). It's not on the monorail line, but you can take a ferry to the Magic Kingdom, or a bus to it or to any other place on Disney property.
Third favorite of the deluxe places was the Boardwalk Villas. While it's certainly a beautiful and fun area to stay in, it was too far from the Magic Kingdom for our tastes. We had 8 people staying in a 2-bedroom villa and we had a great time. There was plenty of room, we had a good view of the pool area, and you could see over into Epcot from the Boardwalk. The area was just like you'd imagine a boardwalk to be. The wooden-planked walkways, restaurants and general stores from one end to the other. You could take a motor launch across the lagoon to the Yacht & Beach Club or to Epcot or to Disney's Hollywood Studios, or you could take a bus, or you could walk the distinct paths to each park as well.
For the "moderate" level resort, we chose the Caribbean Beach Resort (which we stayed at in January 09). We were very much less than impressed. Although kept clean and beautiful on the outside, the rooms were your basic run-of-the-mill Holiday Inn type rooms, with access to them from the outside rather than going into a building, down a corridor and to your room from there. That made some in our party feel less secure. The beds were too small, the bathroom was ridiculously small, and the decor seemed like a half-hearted effort at best. The walk to the main food court/shopping area was quite far. Some in our party also had encountered some rude employees in the various food court locations.
- The verdict? Basically, if you can afford a stay in the deluxe resorts, go for it. I'd definitely choose the Polynesian again. (The Grand Floridian looks very nice, but it's not my taste. I can't wait to try a stay in the Contemporary in a tower room overlooking the Magic Kingdom sometime.)
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